Exclusive: Liam Manning and Steve Bruce Front-Running for Oxford United Job

Liam Manning and Steve Bruce are the leading contenders to become the new Oxford United boss as the club look to avoid relegation from the Championship, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The misfiring U’s dispensed with manager Gary Rowett this week having won just one of their past ten league games, a result of which has left them languishing in the relegation zone.

Our sources understand the club’s hierarchy felt there was a need for an urgent change and a replacement for 51-year-old Rowett was needed.

Rowett had only been at the Kassam Stadium for little over a year, but poor results have left the U’s two points from safety after 22 games of the season.

And both former Bristol City and Norwich City manager Manning – who previously managed the club briefly in 2023 – and ex-Newcastle United, Aston Villa, West Brom and Blackpool boss Bruce is also in the frame for the vacancy.

Manning has been out of work since being sacked last month after just five months with the Canaries, while Bruce is looking for a new job after just over a year in charge of the Seasiders.

Grant Ferguson, the Oxford United chairman, said: “Gary joined during a challenging period and deserves immense credit for the hard work and leadership that saw us retain our Championship status last season. 

DIFFICULT DECISION

“However, following a disappointing run of results, we have had to take this difficult decision in the best interests of the club. 

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to place on record our thanks to Gary and Mark for their contribution to the football club and to wish them all the best for the future.”
Last season Rowett helped last season’s League One play-off winners avoid the dreaded drop.

But this season has been a real baptism of fire with the U’s having last won an away game in October and having lost of their last ten league fixtures.

Oxford host Southampton on Boxing Day and Swansea City three days later, followed by tough away clashes with Ipswich Town and Sheffield United, over could prove to be a defining period to their survival hopes.

And that’s why the club have acted now, keen to find Rowett’s permanent successor, giving them as much time as possible to get the club’s worrying fortunes back on track.